You are on page 1of 15

BAPTISMAL FORMULA: IN THE NAME OF JESUS "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one

of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Christian baptism is to be administered "in the name of Jesus." This means to invoke the name Jesus orally at water baptism.

The Biblical Record


The Book of Acts contains five examples of baptism in the name of Jesus, while no biblical account mentions any other name or formula in connection with an actual baptism. Below are six indisputable references in the New Testament to baptism in the name of Jesus. (1) After the first sermon of the New Testament church, Peter commanded baptism "in the name of Jesus Christ" with the support of the rest of the apostles (Acts 2:14, 37-38). Those who accepted his message were baptized according to this commandment - that is, in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:41). (2) After the Samaritans believed Philip's preaching concerning "the name of Jesus Christ," they were baptized "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:12,16). (3) After Cornelius and his fellow Gentiles received the Holy Ghost, Peter "commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48). The most ancient Greek manuscripts contain the name "Jesus Christ" in this verse, as later translations indicate: "So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ" (NIV); "And he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Messiah" (TAB). (4) When Paul met certain disciples of John the Baptist at Ephesus, he asked about their baptism. When he found out they had only received John's baptism, he baptized them again, this time "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5). (5) Paul himself was baptized in the name of Jesus, for Ananias told him, "Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). (6) In addition to these five accounts in Acts, I Corinthians shows that the Gentile believers in Corinth were baptized in Jesus' name. The church there was full of divisions, with various groups claiming to be followers of Paul, Peter, Apollos, or Christ. When Paul rebuked them for their divisions, he asked, "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:13). The obvious answer to the last question is, "No, we were baptized in the name of Christ." Since the

Corinthians were baptized in (literally, "into") the name of Christ, not Paul, they belonged to Christ, not Paul. Paul was saying this: Jesus died for the whole church and the whole church was baptized in His name, so the church should unite in following Him. If the Corinthians were not baptized in Jesus' name, Paul's argument makes no sense. We conclude from these six passages that the apostolic church always baptized in Jesus' name. All believers - Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles - received baptism in the name of Jesus.

Burial with Christ


Baptism is a burial with Christ, an identification with His death and burial (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). Only Jesus died and was buried on our behalf, so baptism is administered in the name of Jesus.

Identification with Christ


Baptism is a personal identification with Jesus Christ, for we are baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). We are baptized in His name to identify ourselves personally with Him and to take on His name. To become part of the body of Christ, which is the church, we must take on Christ's name. In the Old Testament God identified His Temple by investing His name in it (I Kings 8:29). In the New Testament the church is God's temple (I Corinthians 3:16-17), and it must bear His name. The saints of God in the Book of Revelation have His name written on them as a mark of identification (Revelation 3:12; 14:1; 22:4). That the name serves to identify us with Jesus becomes even more apparent when we study the Greek word eis, which the KJV translates as "into" in Galatians 3:27. This word also appears in Acts 8:16, Acts 19:5, and I Corinthians 1:13. In these three verses the KJV translates the relevant phrase as "baptized in the name," but the NIV conveys its true meaning more strongly by translating it as "baptized into the name." W. E. Vine explained the significance of this phrase: It "would indicate that the baptized person was closely bound to, or became the property of, the one into whose Name he was baptized." Another Protestant author wrote, "The Name stands for the person, authority, and power, so that baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus is into citizenship or membership in His Person, authority, and power." "To be baptized into the Name of Jesus means to be baptized into His Body, His Life, into citizenship and membership in His kingdom." Baptism identifies us with Jesus, and it is specifically baptism in His name that identifies us with Him, makes us His property, and places us into His body. We should not be reluctant to identify with the One who died for us, and to become His property by calling His name at baptism.

Taking on the Family Name


The Bible describes salvation both as a new birth and as an adoption. Viewed either way, we must take on the legal name of our new family. This occurs at baptism since it is part of the new birth and part of our identification with Christ. A boy in the Old Testament officially received his name at circumcision (Luke 1:57-63; 2:21), and baptism is our spiritual circumcision (Colossians 2:11-12). Certain priests in

the Old Testament were barred from the priesthood because they were not registered under their father's name and could not prove their genealogy (Ezra 2:61-62). However, we can claim our priesthood and our spiritual inheritance when we become "registered" in our Father's name. Jesus came in the Father's name, having received His name by inheritance (John 5:43; Hebrews 1:4), 50 Jesus is the name by which the Father has revealed Himself to us. The whole spiritual family of God has taken on the name of Jesus (Ephesians 3:14-15). Clearly, then, Jesus is the name we take at baptism. If we expect to become part of His family at baptism, we must take on His name.

Remission of Sins in the Name


Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), and the name of Jesus is vitally connected with remission of sins. Peter proclaimed this about the name of Jesus: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). He also preached, "Through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:43) and "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21). Ananias specifically associated the name of Jesus with the washing of sins at baptism: "And now, why do you delay? Rise and be baptized and by calling upon His name wash away your sins" (Acts 22:16, TAB).

Power and Authority in the Name


One Protestant writer stated, "To invoke the Name invoked aid and protection." When we need a manifestation of God's power, we can invoke the name Jesus. The invocation of a name also represents the authority behind that name; when a sheriff said, "Open, in the name of the law," he invoked the authority of the law as well as its power. When we call the name of Jesus we rely upon the power and authority of Jesus. Here are some examples: (1) Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name "(Matthew 28:18-19). (2) The Sanhedrin council asked Peter and John, in reference to the lame man's healing, "By what power, or by what name have ye done this?" (Acts 4:7). Peter answered, "By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" (Acts 4:10). (3) The Lord promised, "If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it" (John 14:14). God makes all His power and authority available to us when we invoke His name in faith (Acts 3:6, 16). When we call the Lord's name at baptism we rely on His authority to perform the act and on His power for the spiritual work to be done.

Do All in the Name


"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Colossians 3:17). Baptism consists of both word and deed, so this verse applies. Of course, we do not orally utter the name Jesus before every statement or act in our lives. The verse primarily means to say or do everything with the power and authority of Jesus, as His representative, as His follower, and in dependence upon Him.

When it comes to specific spiritual acts that require the invocation of God's name, however, this verse applies literally. We pray, cast out devils, and lay hands on the sick in the name of Jesus, all by uttering His name, and water baptism should be no exception. One who lives by the spirit of Colossians 3:17 as Christ's representative and follower will certainly be baptized in His name.

Jesus Is the Highest Name


Baptism is an important spiritual act that requires the invocation of the Name of God. The highest, greatest, most powerful, and most self-revelatory name that God has ever made known to man is Jesus: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" (Philippians 2:9-10). For baptism we should certainly use the highest name. If we do not voluntarily accept the name of Jesus now, one day we will be forced to acknowledge the supremacy of this name anyway.

Acceptance of Jesus as Savior


One writer wrote, "The invocation of a Name was the invocation of one's lord To invoke the Name was to swear allegiance to one's king and Lord." Baptism in the name of Jesus signifies acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior. After Peter preached that Jesus was both Lord and Christ, he commanded baptism in His name (Acts 2:36-38). When his hearers accepted Christ's Lordship and Messianic role, they were baptized (Acts 2:41). When the Samaritans accepted Philip's preaching about Jesus, they were baptized in Jesus' name (Acts 8:12, 16). The conversion of John's disciples is especially significant in this regard. Paul told them, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:4-5). By being rebaptized, this time in Jesus' name, they expressed faith in Jesus and recognized Him as Messiah, Lord, Savior, and the fulfillment of John's ministry.

Acceptance of Jesus as the Fulness of the Godhead


Baptism in Jesus' name also demonstrates faith that all the fulness of the Godhead is in Jesus and that everything we need is in Him: "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him" (Colossians 2:9-10). Paul associated this concept with water baptism, for only two verses later he said we are "buried with him in baptism" (Colossians 2:12). Not only do we recognize Jesus as our Savior, but we recognize Him as our God and our Savior (II Peter 1:1; Jude 25). We recognize Him as the only way of access to God (John 14:6-11). Baptism in the name of Jesus emphasizes the full deity of Jesus and His all-sufficient role in cur salvation.

Not a Magic Formula


The name Jesus is not a magical formula; the sound waves reverberating from the spoken name do not remit sin or bring other special powers. However, when we call the name Jesus in faith, Jesus responds. The Name represents His presence and work. We must have personal faith in Jesus for the name to have any meaning and for anything to happen

(Acts 3:16; 10:43). The sons of Sceva could not cast out a devil even though they used the name Jesus, because they did not have a personal relationship with Him or faith in Him (Acts 19:1417). That the name of Jesus cannot be taken as a magical incantation does not detract from the need to invoke the name orally. Peter prayed for the lame man by saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). When the man walked, Peter explained, "And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong" (Acts 3:16). It takes the name of Jesus called in faith. We cannot separate inner faith from obedience to God's Word. At baptism, when we invoke the name Jesus in faith as His Word commands, He comes and remits our sins.

Further Research
For further discussion of the significance of the name of Jesus, see chapter three of The Oneness of God by David bernard. For further discussion of the full deity of Jesus Christ, see chapter four of the same book.

For All People


Numerous arguments have been put forth in an attempt to avoid the teaching of Scripture relative to baptism in the name of Jesus. For example, some argue that only Jewish Christians were baptized in the name of Jesus in order to emphasize their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah. However, this ignores the plain teaching of Scripture. The Samaritans, who were of mixed Jewish and Gentile descent, received baptism in the name of Jesus. Cornelius, his kinsmen, and his friends, who were all Gentiles, were also baptized in the name of Jesus. Cornelius was obviously not a Jewish proselyte (Acts 10:28, 45; 11:1-3, 18). Proselytes were present at Pentecost (Acts 2:10), and one of the seven deacons as a proselyte (Acts 6:5). The controversy surrounding Peter's visit to Cornelius would not have existed had Cornelius been a Jewish convert. In any event, other Gentiles, such as the Corinthians, were baptized in Jesus' name. In short, every conceivable class of believers was baptized in the name of Jesus. All such attempts to explain the use of two separate formulas for baptism are doomed to failure. There can be only one biblical form of Christian baptism. There cannot be one way to baptize certain groups of people and another way to baptize other groups, for God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). There cannot be one way to baptize at one time in New Testament church history and another way for another time in church history. Nor can there be several different types of baptism at one time. There is only one baptism for the New Testament church.

Oral Invocation of the Name


Some contend that "baptism in the name of Jesus" means only in the authority and power of Jesus, and does not mean the name should be uttered orally as part of the baptismal formula. However, the following evidence shows that "in the name of Jesus" is the actual formula:

(1) Baptism in the name of Jesus does mean baptism with His power and authority, but the way to invoke His power and authority is to invoke His name in faith. The authority represented by a name is always invoked by actually using the proper name. All the discussion of power and authority cannot obscure one point: when we actually use a name at baptism it should be the name Jesus. (2) The Bible reveals that the name Jesus was orally invoked at baptism. Acts 22:16 says, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Here is a biblical command to call the Lord's name (Jesus) at baptism. Some argue that in this verse only the baptismal candidate called the name of Jesus, not the administrator. This is debatable, but even so the name Jesus was orally invoked. In general, the baptizer normally invokes the name, but the candidate may also call on the name of Jesus as well, for baptism's validity depends on the candidate's faith, not on the baptizer's faith. An oral calling did occur, for the Greek word rendered "calling" is epikaleomai, which means "to call over or "to invoke." This is the same word that describes Stephen's oral prayer to God: "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). The same verb also appears in Acts 15:17: "the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord," and in James 2:7: "Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" Both passages imply a specific time when the name of Jesus was invoked over believers, which occurred at water baptism. Other translations of James 2:7 are as follows: "[Do] not they blaspheme the good name called on you?" (Interlinear Greek-English New Testament); "Do not they defame the noble name which hath been invoked upon you?" (Rotherham); "Is it not they who slander and blaspheme that precious name by which you are distinguished and called [The name of Christ invoked in baptism]?" (TAB). Thus the Bible states in one verse and indicates in several others that the name of Jesus is to be orally invoked at baptism. (3) The clear, common sense reading of the baptismal passages leads one to believe that "in the name of Jesus" is the baptismal formula. That is the natural, literal reading, and a person must use questionable and twisted methods of biblical interpretation to deny that the words mean what they appear to mean. If this is not a formula, it is strange that it appears so many times as if it were a formula without any explanation to the contrary. (4) In other situations, "in the name of Jesus" means orally uttering the name Jesus. Jesus told His disciples they would pray for the sick in His name (Mark 16:17-18), and James said we should pray for the sick "in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14). When Peter prayed for a lame man, he actually used the name, for he said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). Then he explained that the man was healed "by the name of Jesus" (Acts 3:16; 4:10). In other words, when the Early Church prayed for the sick in the name of Jesus, they actually uttered the name Jesus. Likewise, when the Early Church baptized in the name of Jesus, they actually uttered the name Jesus as part of the baptismal formula. (5) If "in the name of Jesus" does not represent a formula, then the Bible gives no formula for Christian baptism. The only other candidate for a baptismal formula would be

the wording of Matthew 28:19. However, if "in the name of Jesus" does not teach a formula, then neither does "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ," for the grammatical structure is identical in both verses. If "in the name" means "by the authority of" without literally invoking a name, then neither verse gives a formula. However, we do not believe Jesus left us without guidance on such an important subject. In Chapter six, Water Baptism we demonstrated that water baptism is very important, so it is inconceivable that the Bible would not give adequate instructions as to its administration. If we do not have a formula, what distinguishes Christian baptism from heathen baptisms, Jewish proselyte baptism, or John's baptism? If there is no formula, or if the formula does not matter, why did Paul rebaptize John's disciples in the name of Jesus? No reputable scholar holds that baptismal formula is irrelevant or that the Bible gives no direction regarding a baptismal formula. Yet, if "in the name of" does not describe a formula, we have none. (6) Theologians and church historians recognize that the Book of Acts does give the baptismal formula of the Early Church. The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics says with respect to baptism in the New Testament, "The formula used was 'in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ' or some synonymous phrase: there is no evidence for the use of the trine name." The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible states, "The evidence of Acts 2:38; 10:48 (cf. 8:16; 19:5), supported by Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3, suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the three-fold name, but 'in the name of Jesus Christ' or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus.'" Some argue that "in the name of Jesus" is not a formula since the various baptismal accounts use different descriptive phrases, such as "in the name of Jesus Christ," "in the name of the Lord Jesus," and "in the name of the Lord." However, all these phrases are equivalent, for they all describe the same name, which is Jesus. Lord and Christ are simply titles that distinguish the Lord Jesus Christ from any others who might have the name Jesus, but the unique name of the Son of God is Jesus. Even Matthew 28:19 describes the baptismal formula as being in the name of Jesus.

Matthew 28:19
This verse records the words of Jesus just before His ascension: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." How do we reconcile this verse with all the later references to baptism in the name of Jesus, such as Acts 2:38? There are several views one could take. First, one could say the two verses describe two different baptismal formulas. If so, they are contradictory. One must be right and the other wrong, for there can be only one form of Christian baptism. Since God's plan of salvation in the New Testament church age is the same for all people, there cannot be two contradictory baptismal formulas. Since the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, it does not contradict itself. If the Bible gives two formulas, which is correct? Which do we trust? Matthew recorded Matthew 28:19 and also stood with Peter when he preached at Pentecost (Acts 2:14). The question, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" was addressed to all the apostles (Acts 2:37). If Peter had given an incorrect answer, Matthew

would have corrected him. Some people say, "I would rather obey the words of Jesus than the words of Peter." However, they must rot realize that Peter heard Jesus speak Matthew 28:19, that Matthew heard Peter speak Acts 2:38, and that only seven to ten days separated the two events. If Acts 2:38 contradicts Matthew 28:19, then the first spokesman of the church (Peter) was in doctrinal error, the other apostles (including Matthew) followed him in error, and we cannot trust anything the apostles preached or recorded. If that be the case, we might as well discard all the teachings of the New Testament. A second solution is to say that Matthew 28:19 describes a formula while Acts 2:38 does not, or vice versa. This is unsatisfactory because the same words "in the name of" appear in both verses. If one does not describe a formula, neither does the other. We have already seen many reasons why Acts 2:38 does describe a formula. A third answer is that neither Matthew 28:19 nor Acts 2:38 describes a formula, leaving us without any formula at all. This is very unlikely in light of the importance of baptism, the need to distinguish Christian baptism from other types of baptism, and the common sense reading of the passages in question. This leaves only one remaining possibility: namely, that Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 both describe the same baptismal formula. If true, this solution is very attractive because it will both give a formula and preserve the harmony of Scripture. A basic biblical principle is that truth must be established by more than one witness (II Corinthians 13:1). Matthew 28:19 is the only verse in the Bible to use the baptismal phrase "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," while many verses reiterate the baptismal phrase in Acts 2:38, "in the name of Jesus Christ." Apparently, Matthew 28:19 is the more indirect passage that we should harmonize and interpret in light of the others.

Comparison of the Great Commission Accounts


Matthew was not the only one who recorded the last words of Jesus to His disciples. Both Mark and Luke recorded the Lord's last instructions, albeit in somewhat different language. Below is a comparison of their accounts (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:47-49; Acts 1:4-8). Table 6 - The Great Commission Book 1 Matthew Description Go, teach all nations Baptize In name of Father, Son, Holy Ghost I am with you always

Mark

Go to whole world, preach to everyone Belief and baptism In my name Signs will follow

Luke

Preach among all nations Repentance and remission of sins In his name Wait for power from on high (the Spirit)

Matthew and Mark explicitly mention baptism. Since baptism is closely associated with remission of sin (Acts 2:38), Luke indirectly refers to it as well. Significantly, all three accounts describe a name. In each case, including Matthew, the name is singular. Mark and Luke both unquestionably describe the name Jesus. Apparently, Matthew 28:19 also describes the name Jesus.

The Singular Name


Matthew 28:19 describes only one name, for name is singular and not plural. (If one thinks this distinction is not significant, he should read Galatians 3:16 where Paul placed utmost importance on the singular in Genesis 22:18.) Matthew Henry recognized the significance of the singular here, for he wrote, "We are baptized not into the 'names' but into the name, of the Father, Son, and Spirit, which plainly intimates that these are one, and their name one." Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not proper names but descriptive titles. Even if they were proper names, this verse specifically describes only one name, not three. We must still ask what is the one proper name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The Name of the Son


Without doubt the name of the Son is Jesus, for the angel told Joseph, "And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS" (Matthew 1:21).

The Name of the Father


Jesus said, "I am come in my Father's name" (John 5:43). He said to the Father, "I have manifested thy name I have declared unto them thy name" (John 17:6, 26). The Old Testament predicted that the Messiah would declare God's name (Psalm 22:22; Hebrews 2:12). Jesus received His name by inheritance (Hebrews 1:4). What name did Jesus come in, manifest, declare, and receive by inheritance? Jesus. Therefore, the Father has revealed Himself to man through the name Jesus.

The Name of the Holy Ghost


Jesus said, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in

my name, he shall teach you all things" (John 14:26). The Spirit is given and revealed through the name Jesus.

The Context of Matthew 28:19


The context of Matthew 28:19 gives further confirmation that the singular name of the verse is Jesus. In verse 18 Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Verse 19 continues, "Go ye therefore" Jesus did not mean, "I have all power; therefore, baptize in three different names (or in another name)." Rather, He was saying, "I have all power, so baptize in my name." A Baptist scholar has said, "A whole group of exegetes and critics have recognized that the opening declaration of Mt. 28:18 demands a Christological statement to follow it: 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me' leads us to expect as a consequence, 'Go and make disciples unto Me among all the nations, baptizing them in My name, teaching them to observe all I commanded you.'" Because of this, many scholars have even thought that there must have been an earlier Christological formula in verse 19 that was changed to a trinitarian one by early Christianity. In support, they note that the church historian Eusebius, who lived in the 300's, often quoted verse 19 using the phrase "in my name." (He did this many times before the Council of Nicea but never afterwards.) Some say Matthew or an early copyist paraphrased Christ's words or borrowed words from another context. Others hold that verse 19 describes the nature of Baptism and was not originally interpreted as a baptismal formula. The textual debate over Matthew 28:19 is interesting but not crucial, for by applying accepted principles of interpretation we find that the verse refers to baptism in the name of Jesus. While some scholars see that the context demands a Christological formula, due to their trinitarian preconceptions they fail to see that the existing wording does in fact describe the formula of baptism in the name of Jesus. The explanation of Matthew 28:19 in The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries is very interesting in this regard: "It is often affirmed, that the words in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost are not the ipsissima verba [exact words] of Jesus, but either the evangelist's words put into His mouth, or a later liturgical addition It may well be that the true explanation why the early Church did not at once administer baptism in the threefold name, is that the words of xxviii. 19 were not originally meant by our Lord as a baptismal formula. He was not giving instructions about the actual wards to be used in the service of baptism, but, as has already been suggested, was indicating that the baptized person would by baptism pass into the possession of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

Jesus Is the New Testament Name of God


The meaning of Matthew 28:19 is very plain. The singular name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is Jesus. Father, Son, and Spirit are different titles for God. The one God is Father of all creation, has come in flesh in the Son, and abides in our hearts as the Holy Ghost. The one name that reveals all of these roles is Jesus. The Old Testament predicted that God would be revealed by one name: "Therefore my people shall know my name" (Isaiah 52:6); "In that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one" (Zechariah 14:9). The name of Jesus is above every other name (Philippians

2:9-10), so it is not surprising that Matthew 28:19 refers to the name of Jesus. One can analyze the verse as follows. Who is the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? Of course, this describes God. What is God's name? In the Old Testament, Jehovah (or Yahweh) was the unique name by which God distinguished Himself from all other gods (Isaiah 42:8). This analysis led a Presbyterian professor to say, "The 'name' not 'names' of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in which we are to be baptized, is to be understood as Jahweh, the name of the Triune God." However, the supreme name of God in the New Testament is not Jehovah but Jesus. Jesus supersedes all other names and specifically includes Jehovah within its meaning, since Jesus literally means "JehovahSavior" or "Jehovah is Salvation." In the Book of Revelation the servants of "God and the Lamb" shall have "his name" (singular) in their foreheads (Revelation 22:3-4). The name of the Lamb is Jesus, so the name of God is Jesus. Many twentieth-century evangelicals have recognized at least partially the significance of Jesus' name. Essex Kenyon held that Jesus was the revealed name of God in the New Testament and the family name of God. He taught that using the name gives the Christian legal power of attorney in prayer and applies Christ's redemptive benefits in the present. William Phillips Hall, President of the American Tract Society of New York, undertook a study of the name of God. In 1929 he published a booklet entitled Remarkable Biblical Discovery or "The Name of God" According to the Scriptures. His conclusion: The Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the full revelation of God and the apostles correctly understood and obeyed Matthew 28:19 by invoking this Name. Furthermore, the words of Matthew 25:19 "were never used in baptism by the original apostles, or by the Church during the early days of its existence" and "all baptisms of those early days were commanded to be, or stated to have been, performed in, or with the invocation of, the Name of Lord Jesus Christ."

Conclusion About the Baptismal Formula


All biblical references to the baptismal formula, including Matthew 28:19, describe the name Jesus. To be biblical, a formula must include the name Jesus, not merely recite the Lord's verbal instructions. "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" or "I baptize you in the name of the Lord" or "I baptize you in His name" are all insufficient, because none of them actually use the name Jesus Christ commanded us to use. A correct formula would be, "I baptize you in the name of Jesus." It is also appropriate to add titles such as Lord or Christ to distinguish the Lord Jesus Christ from any others who have borne the name Jesus.

The Doctrine of the Trinity


In the face of these powerful points, the only practical reason why some insist on a formula that repeats the words of Matthew 28:19 (rather than actually using the name it describes) is their attempt to confess the doctrine of the trinity. We should note, for their benefit, that many trinitarians see the correctness of baptism in the name of Jesus. For example, the first leader of the twentieth-century Pentecostal movement, Charles Parham, baptized in the name of Jesus although he never explicitly denied trinitarianism.

In recent years, a prominent independent pastor named James Beall wrote a book on baptism called Rise to Newness of Life, which advocates baptism in Jesus' name while retaining trinitarian doctrine. See chapter ten - The Witness in Church History for a list of other trinitarians today who baptize in Jesus' name. As already noted, many trinitarian scholars such as W. E. Vine, Matthew Henry, and James Buswell have recognized the significance of the singular in Matthew 28:19 although apparently not associating it with baptism in the name of Jesus. We should also note in passing that there is no reason to use a trinitarian baptismal formula to uphold the erroneous doctrine of the trinity. The word trinity never appears in Scripture, and the Bible always emphasizes that God is one, not three. Furthermore, Jesus is the Father (Isaiah 9:6), the Son (Matthew 1:21), and the Holy Ghost (II Corinthians 3:17-18). All the fulness of the Godhead dwells in Christ bodily (Colossians 2:9). Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are simply three different manifestations of the one God who came in flesh as Jesus. There is no reason, then, to insist on a trinitarian baptismal formula when the Bible does not teach the modern doctrine of trinitarianism. (For a full discussion of the biblical doctrine of one God and the doctrine of the trinity, see The Oneness of God by David Bernard. Especially chapter six for an explanation of the biblical meanings of the terms Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.)

Matthew 28:19 Teaches Baptism in the Name of Jesus


In summary, below are nine reasons why Matthew 28:19 refers to the name of Jesus in baptism. (1) Its grammar designates one name (singular). (2) Its context shows that Jesus described His power and therefore told the disciples to baptize in His name. (3) Mark's and Luke's descriptions of the same instructions of Christ show that Jesus was the only name mentioned. (4) The Early Church, including Matthew, carried out Christ's instructions by baptizing in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16; I Corinthians 1:13). (5) The name of the Father is Jesus; the Father is revealed through the name Jesus (John 5:43). (6) The name of the Son is Jesus (Matthew 1:21). (7) The name of the Holy Ghost is Jesus; the Holy Ghost is revealed through the name Jesus (John 14:26). (8) God has revealed Himself in the New Testament by one name (Zechariah 14:9) and that name is Jesus (Revelation 22:3-4). (9) The Bible does not teach the doctrine of the trinity, so there is no theological justification for a trine formula.

The Witness in Church History


Not only did the apostles baptize in the name of Jesus, but the Christians of the early post-apostolic era did also. Most theologians agree that the Book of Acts describes the

original formula. Church historians generally agree that Jesus' name was the older formula and that the trine formula was only gradually adopted.

Does the Baptismal Formula Really Matter?


Everyone should use the biblical formula. If the name Jesus was not called over someone at baptism, he should be rebaptized in the name of Jesus. Here are the reasons why: (1) The Bible places so much importance on water baptism that we should practice it exactly as the Bible commands. (2) We should follow the example of the apostolic church. (3) Tradition is an inadequate substitute for biblical teaching. (4) Obedience to and respect for God's Word will cause us to follow it exactly. We should obey the clear teaching of Scripture instead of inventing another method and attempting to justify it. Refusal to use the biblical formula could signify disobedience, rebellion, or a casual approach to God's Word. (5) John's disciples had already been immersed in water unto repentance, yet Paul baptized them again, this time in Jesus name (Acts 19:1-5). The only physical difference between the two baptisms was the name, but this was significant enough to require rebaptism. (6) The name of Jesus is uniquely associated with all the purposes of baptism, such as burial with Christ, identification with Christ, and remission of sins. Even if one has already received the Holy Ghost, he needs to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. As the story of Cornelius indicates, God will give the Spirit to all who repent and believe, even to those who do not understand baptism in the name of Jesus. He specifically said that He gives His Spirit to guide people into all truth (John 16:13), but they may subsequently ignore or reject the leading of the Spirit and the teaching of the Word. God does not stamp His approval on their doctrine by filling them with His Spirit; rather, this exhibits His grace and strict adherence to the promises of His Word. Regardless of someone's spiritual experience, continual obedience to God's Word is always necessary. Some say that if one has faith in Christ the baptismal formula is an irrelevant technicality. By this reasoning, however, one could justify celebrating the Lord's Supper with cake and punch, performing baptisms by sprinkling with milk, or even omitting the baptismal ceremony altogether. We do not believe any teaching of Scripture is irrelevant; in the case of baptism the Bible teaches it to be part of salvation and commands baptism in Jesus' name. If the formula is irrelevant, baptism in any name would be valid Christian baptism, which is absurd. Obviously, the spiritual significance of baptism is expressed by the formula used and the name invoked. Using Jesus' name demonstrates faith in (1) the person of Christ (who He really is), (2) the work of Christ (His death, burial, and resurrection for our salvation), and (3) the power and authority of Christ (His ability to save us by Himself). This is the essence of saving faith. A baptismal candidate does not need a fully developed understanding of the Godhead to be saved, for faith precedes complete knowledge. However, it is one thing to have limited

knowledge but yet submit to the biblical formula out of faith and obedience; it is quite another thing to disregard the teaching of Scripture and use a man-made formula that confesses a false doctrinal system. Interestingly, Roman Catholics have traditionally taught that baptism is essential to salvation and that pronouncement of the words "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" is necessary to its validity. Simply put, the Bible teaches no baptismal formula other than one using the name Jesus. If any other formula will suffice, the Bible does not tell us. If we limit ourselves to the scriptural record, we must draw two conclusions: (1) Christian baptism should be performed in the name of Jesus, which means by His power and authority, by faith in Him, and by orally invoking His name; (2) No other baptismal formula has biblical validity.

Conclusion
In conclusion, below are the biblical reasons for baptism in the name of Jesus. (1) The Bible gives this formula and no other.
(a) Matthew 28:19 describes this formula. (b) The apostolic church adhered to this formula (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16; I Corinthians 1:13).

(2) Baptism is a burial with Christ and no one else (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). (3) Baptism is a personal identification with Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), and His name identifies us as His possession. (4) At baptism we take on our new family name, as part of our new birth, adoption, and spiritual circumcision. The name God's spiritual family bears is Jesus (Ephesians 3:1415). (5) Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), and Jesus is the only name that remits sin (Acts 10:43). (6) The name of Jesus represents all the power and authority of God (Matthew 28:18; Acts 4:7, 10). When we invoke His name in faith, that power and authority become available to us (Acts 3:6,16). (7) Everything we do in word or deed should be done in the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:17), and baptism is both word and deed. (8) The name of Jesus is the highest name known to man, and everyone must bow to that name (Philippians 2:9-11). (9) Baptism is part of our salvation, and Jesus is the only saving name (Acts 4:12).

(10) Baptism in Jesus' name manifests complete faith in Jesus as our only Savior and our only access to God (John 14:6-11). (11) It signifies belief that the fulness of the Godhead is manifested in Jesus (Colossians 2:9). (12) Jesus is the name by which God has revealed Himself in the New Testament (Matthew 1:21; John 5:43; 14:26). (13) Baptism in the name of Jesus demonstrates reverence for and obedience to the Word of God over and above human tradition. In view of all the important things baptism in Jesus' name signifies, why would anyone refuse to use the name? Why would anyone hesitate to take on the name of the One who died for them and be identified publicly with Him? Why would anyone reject the only saving name - the name that is above every name?

You might also like